Hooda warns Centre of 'drastic steps' for better rice prices

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda warned of "drastic steps" if the Centre did not take immediate steps to ensure better prices of rice to the farmers. The Chief Minister said that he will sit on 'dharna' in Taraori mandi along with the farmers if the Central government did not take immediate measures for rice farmers.

Hooda attacked the Centre on the "drop" in prices of Basmati rice and cotton and the increase in the prices of diesel.

Addressing a public meeting in Taraori and later at Guhla Cheeka today, Hooda said he could not see the farmers suffer as a result of the "low prices" of their produce, especially rice.

Hooda said he was ready to launch a struggle with the farmers on their "just demands for better price of rice".

He also told the rally about the steps taken by his government.

"Farmers in Haryana had benefited a great deal and the rate of interest on crop loan, which used to be 11 to 14 percent before Congress came to power, in the state was reduced to just 4 per cent," he said.

Attacking the BJP, Hooda said the saffron party had failed to live up to its promise of bringing 'ache din' for the people and today prices of essential food items like potato, tomato and onion have shot up.